Newport News is an independent city in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia.

The most widely accepted folktale is that city is the namesake of Captain Christopher Newport, commander of Susan Constant, flagship of the three ship English fleet that landed on Jamestown Island in 1607.

City played a major role in the Peninsula Campaign during the Civil War. Numerous earthen fortifications and attractions that relate to the Civil War can be experienced in Newport News. In addition, the famous "Battle of the Ironclads" took place off the shores of Newport News in 1862.

Among the citys major industries are shipbuilding, military, and aerospace. Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, owned by Northrop Grumman, and the large coal piers supplied by railroad giant CSX Transportation, the modern Fortune 500 successor to the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O).

Ships can be viewed from many spots along downtown Newport News including Victory Landing Park which adjoins the Virginia Advanced Shipbuilding and Carrier Integration Center building; at Northrop Grumman Newport News as well as the Monitor-Merrimac Overlook and the James River Bridge. Various cruise operations do offer tours from the water.

James A. Fields House
James Apostle Fields (1844-1903) was born a slave in Hanover County, Virginia. In 1862, he escaped to Fort Monroe and found refuge as a "contraband of war".

The Mariners Museum/USS Monitor Center
Designated by Congress as Americas National Maritime Museum, The Mariners Museum offers a captivating look at centuries of seafaring adventures from around the world.

The dramatic USS Monitor Center brings to life the "Battle of the Ironclads", and offers visitors the chance to walk the deck of a full-scale Monitor replica.

Other treasures await at this maritime gem: sit in an aircraft carrier ready room; explore the International Small Craft Collection; try your hand at Morse code; and marvel at the renowned Crabtree Collection of miniature ships.

Enjoy a picnic in the beautiful Park or walk the Noland Trail on the banks of Lake Maury. Shop for unique souvenirs in The Museum Shop and dine in the Compass Cafe.

Special events and evening programs are held year-round. Parking is free.

US Army Transportation Museum
The story of the Armys Transportation Corps, from horse-drawn wagons to all-terrain, armored vehicles, is told through models, dioramas and full-size vehicles and equipment. Indoor and outdoor pavilions feature wagons, trucks, airplanes, helicopters, locomotives, tugboats and experimental craft such as the "flying jeep".

Endview Plantation
Completed in 1769 by William Harwood, Endview has been restored its 1862 appearance. In the 1850s, the home was purchased by Dr. Humphrey Harwood Curtis, William Harwoods great-grandson. Endview is now a historic house museum and offers guided tours.Special events and evening programs are held year-round.

Virginia Living Museum
Living exhibits depict Virginias natural heritage from the mountains to the sea. Experience a steamy cypress swamp and cool mountain cove. Explore the underwater world of the Chesapeake Bay and the underground realm of a limestone cave.

Virginia War Museum
American military history unfolds at this War Museum. Outstanding collections of personal artifacts, weapons, vehicles, uniforms, posters and much more trace the development of the U.S. military from 1775 through the present.

Huntington Park offers a beach, two fishing piers, gardens, tennis, and museums. It is run by the Newport News Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

Huntington Park is located at the base of the Newport News side of the James River Bridge. The park spans 60 acres (243,000 m2), making it the fourth-largest park in the Newport News Parks system. There are entrances on Mercury Boulevard just before the bridge, and on the parks eastern side at Warwick Boulevard.

Peninsula Fine Arts Center
Discover the every-changing world of art at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center, where diverse artworks and dynamic exhibitions that change every few months are just part of the fun.

Newport News Victory Arch
View of Oyster Point City Center
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
Fort Fun in Huntington Park
Newport News is well known for the C&O coaling tower seen behind the locomotive.
James River Bridge, viewed from Huntington Park Beach.